Federer seeks to regain 'invincibility'

NEW YORK — As if trying to remind himself and everyone else where he's been and where he's quite certain he'll return, Roger Federer thrust his right fist overhead and pointed skyward with his index finger.

The universal gesture for No. 1.

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As Federer made that signal, the 1970s song Still the One by Orleans rang out through Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, marking the end of the four-time defending champion's 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 28th-seeded Radek Stepanek in the U.S. Open's third round.

Actually, for the first time in a while, Federer is not No. 1 — in the seedings for the hard-court Grand Slam tournament or in the ATP rankings. Those honors belong to Rafael Nadal, who beat Federer in the lopsided French Open and epic Wimbledon finals and last week ended his record 237-week stay at the top.

Federer harbors no doubts that he can re-establish his ranking and his reputation among opponents, both built on the strength of 12 career major singles titles, two shy of Pete Sampras' career record.

"That's the advantage I have. If I were to win a big tournament again, one of those Slams, whatever, right away I have the invincibility factor again, which is great for me," he said. "So that's what I'm working for. I was that close in Wimbledon, so I hope to go a step further and win it this time."

It's been a poor-by-his-standards season for Federer, whose 12 losses already are more than he absorbed in any entire year from 2004-07. His two titles, at minor events, are his fewest entering the U.S. Open since 2002.

"I would love his bad year. ... The guy has the best four-year run ever, and we're all sitting here in shock that it's not the best five-year run ever," said Andy Roddick, who reached the fourth round by beating No. 31 Andreas Seppi 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 (4).